Patents Issued in January 31, 2006
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Patent number: 6990809Abstract: A renewable energy power generating plant is disclosed. It uses the renewable energy of fluids according to Archmedes Principale. It includes a liquid-filled pool, an endless chain looping around lower and upper cogwheels, containers attached to chain links receiving compressed air in the bottom of the pool, gas under pressure from black smokers in the sea bottom, or highly compressed natural gas using only its excess pressure. The ascending containers are propelled by a growing buoyant force during their ascent. According to Boyle's law, the volume of compressed gas injected into each ascending container expands and displaces an increasing quantity of liquid at shallower depths due to lower pressures. The weight of the liquid displaced by gas in ascending containers creates a steady torque on the axle of the upper cogwheel. The resultant rotation is transformed into an abundant source of energy adaptable to a wide range of applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Afif Abouraphael
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Patent number: 6990810Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing a mechanical device operable to convert heat to mechanical or electrical power, comprising: a high temperature section, the high temperature section having a first end and an open second end, a sealing flange, the sealing flange having a first end and a second threaded end, the first end bonded to the open second end of the high temperature section, and a low temperature section having an open threaded first end, the open first end in sealing engagement with the second threaded end of the sealing flange. Also provided are a Stirling engine and a method of hermetically sealing a pressure vessel of a Stirling engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventors: Roberto O. Pellizzari, Laurence B. Penswick
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Patent number: 6990811Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical out-of-plane thermal buckle-beam actuator is capable of providing transverse-plane movement of shutters. The actuator includes a pair of structural anchors secured to a substrate and one or more thermal buckle-beams secured at respective base ends to the anchors. Each buckle-beam extends substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the substrate and is releasable from the substrate at points other than at the anchors. The thermal buckle-beam actuators are suitable for use in a microelectrical mechanical optical display system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6990812Abstract: A control valve of a hydraulic brake booster for use in a brake system. The control valve is characterized by a shuttle member having a stem on a first end and an annular projection on a second end. The stem has an annular surface thereon that is matched with an orifice from an supply chamber such that metered pressurized fluid is uniformly presented to an actuation chamber to effect a brake application while the annular projection is matched with a flange on an actuator piston such that the pressurized fluid present in the actuation chamber is uniformly metered to a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Richard Becker McClain, William John Penninger, Gary L. Doty, Timothy J. Albert
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Patent number: 6990813Abstract: A negative feedback control operation is performed in the electronic control actuator. Thus, a motor and a gear rotate the output shaft until the actual angle signal becomes nearly equal to the target angle signal. The turn of the output shaft of the electronic control actuator is transmitted to nozzle vanes of a turbocharger through a lever and a rod, so that the opening of the nozzle vane is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Ando, Haruo Saito, Takaaki Sekine
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Patent number: 6990814Abstract: A method of controlling a compressor includes measuring a pressure of fluid entering the compressor, measuring a pressure of fluid exiting the compressor, and measuring a rotational speed of the compressor. Signals indicative of the measured pressure of fluid entering the compressor, measured pressure of fluid exiting the compressor, and measured rotational speed of the compressor are sent to an electronic control unit. The operation of the compressor is controlled in response to at least the signal indicative of the measured rotational speed of the compressor received by the electronic control unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William Christopher Boley, Gary Nelson Boyer
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Patent number: 6990815Abstract: A gas turbine including a compressor, combustor and turbine further includes (1) a cooling air system for supplying part of air compressed by a compressor to a high temperature section of the turbine, (2) a heat exchanger for exchanging heat of part of air compressed by the compressor, this heat exchanger being mounted on the cooling air system, and (3) a system for adjusting the air temperature downstream from the heat exchanger in conformity to the operation period of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Yamanaka, Shinya Marushima
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Patent number: 6990816Abstract: The apparatus is a hybrid cooler which includes one loop within which a heated evaporator forms vapor that moves to a condenser because of the vapor pressure which also drives the liquid condensate from the condenser to a liquid reservoir. A second loop is powered by a mechanical pump that supplies liquid from the reservoir to the evaporator and the second loop also returns excess liquid not vaporized to the reservoir. An optional reservoir cooler can be used to assure that the reservoir temperature and vapor pressure are always lower that the temperatures and pressures of the evaporator and condenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jon Zuo, David Sarraf
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Patent number: 6990817Abstract: A system for cooling electronic assemblies includes an equipment enclosure configured to receive a plurality of electronic assemblies in a plurality of mounting locations. The system also includes a cooling manifold that is mounted to the equipment enclosure and positioned to distribute chilled air to each of the electronic assemblies through a plurality of orifices.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventor: Rakesh Bhatia
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Patent number: 6990818Abstract: In a device for the re-condensation of low-boiling gases evaporating from a liquid gas container having a tubular neck in which a cold head of a cryo-generator is supported, the cold head includes a pulse tube with a heat exchanger and a cold area having an annular projection extending into an annular recess formed in a heat transfer ring mounted in the tubular neck in closely spaced relationship with the walls of the annular recess so as to provide a gas passage therethrough and permitting relative axial movement between the cold head and the liquid gas container.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbHInventor: Albert Hofmann
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Patent number: 6990819Abstract: A dryer system for frost prevention in an ultra low temperature freezer includes a passive port coupled to an air dryer apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Kendro Laboratory ProductsInventor: William Brian Darling
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Patent number: 6990820Abstract: Method for controlling operation of a refrigerator including the steps of turning on a compressor when a temperature of a food storage chamber reaches to an upper limit of upper/lower temperature deviations ?T from an optimal setting temperature T, turning off the compressor when the temperature of the food storage chamber reaches to a lower limit of upper/lower temperature deviations ?T from the optimal setting temperature T, and varying the upper/lower temperature deviations ?T with an outside temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Jin Koo Park
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Patent number: 6990821Abstract: A system and method for managing energy consumption of a building system includes a source of actual energy consumption data, a source of actual weather data, and a database correlating discrete weather data values with expected energy consumption values for at least one component of the building system. A computer accesses the actual weather data, actual energy consumption data and database, wherein the computer compares the expected energy consumption values with actual energy consumption data and generates an output based on the comparison. The expected energy consumption values are generated for the discrete weather data values using an energy consumption model that functionally relates discrete weather data values and design information for the building system component.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Emerson Retail Services Inc.Inventors: Abtar Singh, Paul Wickberg, Neal Starling, Thomas J. Mathews
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Patent number: 6990822Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioning system provided with an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, and a gaseous refrigerant pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor. The present invention serves to make it possible to run such an air conditioning system in cooling mode continuously even when the outside air temperature is low by preventing the indoor heat exchanger from freezing. The air conditioning system is provided with one air-cooled outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel to the outdoor unit. The indoor heat exchangers and the compressor are connected together by the gaseous refrigerant pipe. A pressure adjusting device is installed in the gaseous refrigerant pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiromune Matsuoka
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Patent number: 6990823Abstract: An air conditioner accurately performs detection of a refrigerant circulation amount and improves a basic function including an accuracy and a response characteristic of a control for achieving stable maintenance of a room temperature. An electronic control system includes a controller performing an air-conditioning control so that flow detected information from a hot-wire flow sensor, refrigerant operation state information from a refrigerant operation state sensor, and temperature information from a resistance value sensor are added in external information detection means.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Ochiai
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Patent number: 6990824Abstract: A cooling apparatus for such things as convenience foods and beverages has a tilted, open faced bed from which persons may select objects. The apparatus is self-contained, and may run from a standard, single phase electrical outlet. It may be carried by two people, and is suitable for mounting either on its own base in a recess in a checkout counter or other similar installation. The open faced be may have a channel depth of section that is relatively deep as compared with to its width, the flow path length, or the depth of the flow released to run along the channel, thereby tending to discourage mixing of the cooled flow with the surrounding ambient environment. The apparatus may include a two piece molded housing that defines the structural skeleton for both the cooling bed and a lodgement for various elements of the cooling system. The bed may include a porous deck, or drain panels, that may tend to encourgare cooled air to drain toward a cooling plenum intake panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: QBD Cooling Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sikander Jaffer, Paul Arato
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Patent number: 6990825Abstract: A ventilating device (1) comprises one or more impellers (2) extending in a longitudinal direction around an axis of rotation. Each of the impellers (2) is adapted to suck air from an ambient atmosphere in a transverse direction over a substantial part of the impeller's length. A coupling for transmitting a driving force from one impeller to another is disclosed. The ventilating device may be comprised in a unit with a cover (6) and a chassis, and it may be mounted to or around a heating or cooling pipe (3; 4) in a room of a building. A holding member (5) which may be connected to the cover (6) holds the pipe or pipes (3; 4) and/or one or more impellers (2). The device is easy to mount and may have improved energy efficiency. A building with a ventilating device, a method of operating the ventilating device, a system comprising a plurality of ventilating devices, and a mounting member for one or more pipes and/or one or more impellers are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Ole Hansen
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Patent number: 6990826Abstract: A heat pump is provided with a single expansion device a pair of four-way reversing valves. One of the reversing valves routes the refrigerant from the compressor to either an outdoor heat exchanger or indoor heat exchanger, as well as routes the refrigerant back to the compressor. The second four-way reversing valve receives refrigerant from one of the heat exchangers and properly routes it through a common expansion device in a single direction. The two four-way reversing valves are controlled dependent on whether the heat pump is operating in a cooling or heating mode. A single expansion device sensor is positioned on a suction line, which receives refrigerant on its way back to the compressor from the first four-way reversing valve. The present invention thus eliminates the prior art requirement of additional components, enhances control and reduces system cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
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Patent number: 6990827Abstract: An ice maker for marine vessels having an evaporator assembly within which ice is formed for delivery to remote locations. An air and water cooled condensing unit delivers refrigeration fluid to the evaporator assembly and ice formed therein is driven by an auger into a distribution chamber defined by a distribution cap member located above the auger. Ice entering the distribution chamber passes through a comminution ring which breaks the ice up into smaller particles and the ice is then directed radially by a slanted wall into the blades of an impeller member which rotates about the same axis as the auger and which drives the ice particles into a discharge opening formed in the ice distribution cap. The evaporator assembly and the condensing unit are mounted separately so that the evaporator assembly may be located to reduce the path through which the ice must travel to reach its ultimate destination.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Bruce Elliot Antognoni
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Patent number: 6990828Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a cool air generating part supplying cool air to a storage compartment; upper and lower cabinets having first and second storage compartments; and a shaft rotatably supporting the upper and lower cabinets, respectively. With this configuration, the refrigerator is useable in all directions by a rotatable structure, is easily carried by wheels, and is useable as a table by a table member provided in an upper part of an upper cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon-young Kim, Gun-ho Hong
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Patent number: 6990829Abstract: An air cooling system is provided for cooling ambient or recirculated air. The system includes a compressor receiving ambient air, and a first heat exchanger receiving pressurized air from the compressor. An expander receives warm air from the first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger receives cold air from the expander. The second heat exchanger also receives supplemental ambient air, and is structured to utilize the cold air to cool the supplemental air and provide mixed cool air. The system cools and dehumidifies the supplemental ambient air to prevent unwanted stratification and condensation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James Hall, Wayne Charles Schnaidt
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Patent number: 6990830Abstract: A system and method supplies users with heat energy or cooling energy via a carrier medium. At least one source of heat energy or chilling energy has an output line that is connected to the input of at least one controllable distributor device. The distributor has a number of outlets, to which the supply lines for users are connected to heating or cooling supplies at various temperature levels. Any of the users may be selected by the distribution device, for supplying carrier medium at the required temperature. At least one heat reservoir is connected in parallel to at least one part of the user for heat energy at different temperature levels, in which the excess heat energy at the given temperature level may be stored and from which the heat energy contained therein may be extracted and supplied to the user with the relevant temperature level.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Entech Energie Management GmbHInventor: Alois Schwarz
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Patent number: 6990831Abstract: A cooling collar for cooling beverages, comprising separable cooling shells that each contains a cooling material and a cavity that approximates the size of a standard beer or soda can. In preferred embodiments the cooling material is present in sufficient quantity to cool a standard beverage can from room temperature to about 45° F. in no more than 30, 25 or even 22 minutes, and to cool at least 24, 35 or even 50 cans without refreezing the collar.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Cory Fiene
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Patent number: 6990832Abstract: A built-in type compressor/condenser unit for an air conditioner with an efficient installation structure for installing an increased capacity outdoor unit is provided. The built-in type compressor/condenser unit includes a louver frame installed on a rectangular shaped space formed on an outer wall of a building. The louver frame is divided into a suction area and a discharge area, each with a plurality of louver blades. The compressor/condenser unit casing is positioned proximate the louver frame, with the surface of the casing which faces the suction area and the discharge area of the louver frame open, and the remaining surfaces of the casing closed. A compressor, an air-cooled condenser, and a cooling fan are installed in the compressor/condenser unit casing.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: In-Gyu Kim, Young-Ju Bae, Jae-Hyung Koo, Byung-Il Park, Kyeong-Ho Kim, Yang-Ho Kim, Young-Ho Hong, Kyeong-Wook Heo, Kang-Wook Cha, Si-Kyong Sung, Dong-Hyuk Lee, Seong-Min Kang, Tae-Geun Kim
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Patent number: 6990833Abstract: A circular cut diamond, with appropriate dimensions, to greatly enhance the brilliancy, scintillation, and dispersion of a circular cut diamond and to produce a larger-looking diamond per unit volume as compared to the current standard Ideal Cut.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Allen L. Smith
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Patent number: 6990834Abstract: The present invention alters the flow path at the inlet of the sheet glass forming apparatus to improve quality. The bottom of the downcomer pipe is preferably shaped to alter the character of the vortex flow in the quiescent flow zone between the pipes. In another embodiment, a bead guide provides hydraulic stresses that are in opposition to the surface tension stress and thus reduces the influence of surface tension on the formation of thick beads on the edges of the sheet. The present invention also measures the temperature of the glass by immersing thermocouples in the glass, at locations where any defects caused by the immersion are in the glass that forms the unusable edges of the sheet. In another embodiment, the support structure for the trough is altered to substantially reduce the aging of the trough due to thermal creep.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Bruce Technology, LLCInventor: Richard B. Pitbladdo
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Patent number: 6990835Abstract: In the process for partially shaping, a glass/glass ceramic article (5) is held on a planar support plate (1) by suction. The glass/glass ceramic article is heated to soften it, so that it has a viscosity below 106 dPa·s. After the softening one or more shaping dies (4) is or are moved upward through an opening or respective openings (3) in the support plate to form raised regions in the softened glass/glass ceramic article (5). The suction force is produced by a low pressure in a hollow compartment (2) below the support plate (1) and acts on the glass/glass ceramic article (5) by means of a gap (G) formed between each shaping die (4) and the support plate. Additional openings can be provided in the support plate and/or in one or more of the shaping dies to assist in applying the suction force to the glass/glass ceramic article. After solidification of the softened glass/glass-ceramic article the shaping die or dies (4) is or are withdrawn.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Schott AGInventors: Friedrich-Georg Schroeder, Roland Hochhaus, Bernd Weitzel, Bernd Hoppe, Hermann Lemm, Gerhard Hahn, Hans-Walter Abraham
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Patent number: 6990836Abstract: Synthetic quartz glass is produced by feeding a silica-forming raw material gas, hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and a fluorine compound gas from a burner to a reaction zone, flame hydrolyzing the silica-forming raw material gas in the reaction zone to form fine particles of fluorine-containing silica, depositing the silica fine particles on a rotatable substrate in the reaction zone so as to create a fluorine-containing porous silica matrix, and heat vitrifying the porous silica matrix in a fluorine compound gas-containing atmosphere. This process enables the low-cost manufacture of a synthetic quartz glass having a higher and more uniform transmittance to light in the vacuum ultraviolet region than has hitherto been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Maida, Motoyuki Yamada, Hisatoshi Otsuka, Kazuo Shirota, Koji Matsuo
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Patent number: 6990837Abstract: A spinner and a distributor spinner cup fixedly nested within the spinner are adapted to receive two molten thermoplastic materials of different coefficients of thermal expansion to produce a dual-component glass fiber insulation product. The inside wall of the spinner peripheral side wall is adapted to receive, through horizontal slots adjacently vertically disposed, first and second molten thermoplastic materials and centrifuge same into horizontal annular non-interrupted circumferential cavities disposed above and below one another. Passages lead from exit orifices in each cavity outwardly at differing angles. Passages from first and second thermoplastic material cavities join with one another at orifices on an outer side of the peripheral side wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Ottawa Fibre Inc.Inventors: Joseph Skarzenski, Witold S. Czastkiewicz, Stan Banaszkiewicz
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Patent number: 6990838Abstract: A skid steer attachment lock for preventing the theft of a tool attached to a skid steer loader. The device comprises of an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism disposed in the outer shaft of the extendable shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Bryan Witchey
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Patent number: 6990839Abstract: A landing gear locking device includes a plurality of locking members pivotally connected to each other for allowing the locking members to be moved between open and closed positions. The device further includes a plurality of hasps secured to the locking members, which are engageable with each other when the lock is moved to a closed position. At least one locking pin is secured to one of the locking members and extends outwardly therefrom for being positioned into a landing gear shaft so that same can be prevented from moving beyond a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventors: Chris Childres, Chris Pain
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Patent number: 6990840Abstract: A conjoining apparatus using electromagnetic forming includes a field shaper for concentrating a magnetic field to a conjoining working object, a coil for generating and applying the magnetic field to the field shaper such that the field shaper can form a reactive force, and a charging circuit for supplying electricity to the coil. An auxiliary ring having higher conductivity than steel is disposed between the field shaper and the working object for generating an induced magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Shin Hee Park
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Patent number: 6990841Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin forming a portion of a workpiece where the formed portion has a formed axis that is non-coaxial with the non-processed axis of the workpiece includes at least two rollers rotatable about a spin axis. Each one of the rollers is axially and radially offset from the others. An axial drive mechanism reciprocates the rollers or workpiece to causes the first roller and then the second roller to sequentially engage the workpiece. A pivoting mechanism rotates the rollers or workpiece about a pivot point from a first angular position to a second angular position during a forming operation to create a formed portion that is oblique to the non-processed portion or is substantially curved. A higher reduction ratio is achieved which enables improved efficiency. The present invention reduces floor space requirements as the forming operation may be completed on a single machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Egas Jose Desousa, John C. Boehnke, James M. Ciosek, Frederick D. Wagner
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Patent number: 6990842Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for deep-rolling radii or fillets (2) at the transition between the bearing journals (3) and the adjacent flange (4) of a bearing point of a crankshaft (1) with the aid of deep-rolling cylinders. The deep-rolling cylinders are pressed into the radius or the fillet (2) of the transition with a deep-rolling force until a predetermined roll-down depth (10) is reached while the crankshaft (1) is turned. The transition is initially deep-rolled with a first deep-rolling cylinder, the radius (6) of which has an osculating ratio between 1 and 0.85 referred to the radius of the transition or the fillet (2), namely with a first deep-rolling force that produces a maximum internal compressive stress (7) in the transition at a depth between 1 and 2 mm below the deep-rolled surface (8).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Hegenscheidt-MFD GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Alfred Heimann
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Patent number: 6990843Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing tool (8) provided with three or four press mandrels (12, 15) which move towards each other during the pressing process. The press mandrels (12–15) have a roof-shaped transversal profile. The lateral distance (36) between the press mandrels (12–15) is increasingly reduced during the pressing process. An extending element (37) is arranged between two press mandrels, extending from one press mandrel to another press mandrel and being inserted into the other press mandrel during the pressing process. The aim of the invention is to improve said pressing device and to improve pressing. In order to block the above-mentioned distance (36), the extending element (37) is disposed in such a way that both roof edges (38) of the corresponding press mandrels cut across said extending element (37) in an initial position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Gustav Klauke GmbHInventor: Egbert Frenken
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Patent number: 6990844Abstract: Narrow aerial and die-mount cams, each having a cam adapter, a driver and a slide sandwiched between the cam adapter and driver. The narrow aerial cam slide has an elongate primary portion that has a T-shaped cross-section and has a primary bearing surface, and the cam adapter has a rectangular recess. An elongate keeper plate having a longitudinal slot is secured to each side of the cam adapter adjacent the rectangular recess to slidably retain the primary portion of the slide within the longitudinal slots and the rectangular recess. The primary bearing surface and a pair of intermediate bearing surfaces formed in the slide below the primary portion slidably support the keeper plates and thus the cam adapter. The driver slidably supports the slide. The narrow die-mount cam is basically an inverted version of the aerial cam.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Anchor Lamina America, Inc.Inventor: Erich D. Fidziukiewicz
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Patent number: 6990845Abstract: The pendulum impact test rig is designed and developed for simulating impact conditions experienced by structural components in real-world crash or full-scale crash test. The test rig can be adopted for crash testing individual vehicle component. The test rig comprises of a base plate which is anchored to a concrete ground, a pendulum supporting structure positioned on the base plate, a pendulum member constructed from structural T-beam that permanently secured to a rotatably shaft, and a test item holding device releasably mounted on the base plate. The pendulum member includes a striker which is releasably attached to the lower end portion of the pendulum, fixed masses permanently secured at the lower end portion of the pendulum, and additional masses detachably attached immediately above the fixed masses. With present preferred embodiment, the center of percussion is controlled within the striking zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Universiti Putra MalaysiaInventors: Wong Shaw Voon, Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, Abdel Magid S. Hamouda, Megat Mohamad Hamden Megat Ahmad, Tan Kean Sheng
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Patent number: 6990846Abstract: An impactor inlet for a system for monitoring an aerosol including a plurality of particles is provided. Each of the particles has a size. The inlet includes a housing defining a chamber to receive and direct a flow of the aerosol. A high flow rate nozzle receives the aerosol at a flow rate of greater than 20 liters per minute (lpm) and accelerates and directs the aerosol flow toward a impaction plate. The aerosol flow separates into a minor flow including particles having a size greater than about 10 um, and a major flow including the remaining particles. The minor flow impacts on the impaction plate, and the major flow is emitted from an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventor: Constantinos Sioutas
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Patent number: 6990847Abstract: A sensor unit comprises a mounting base (1) on which an air moisture sensor (3) and an air temperature sensor (4) are disposed. The air moisture sensor (3) is disposed over a bore (5) of the mounting base and covers the bore (5) at least partially. An intensive thermal coupling between the air moisture sensor (3), air temperature sensor (4) and air mixture to be analysed is produced.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: sitronic Ges. für elektrotechnische Ausrüstung mbH & Co. KGInventor: Elmar Happach
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Patent number: 6990848Abstract: A method is provided for nondestructively determining a material property of a porous sample. A first vessel is evacuated to a sub-atmospheric pressure, while a test pressure, greater than the sub-atmospheric pressure, is established in a second vessel containing the sample. The pressures of the first and second vessels are equalized by opening a valve mechanism therebetween. The resulting pressure change in the second vessel exhibits an initial pressure drop followed by a transition to an equalization pressure. The envelope volume of the sample is determined from a minimum pressure attained by the second vessel upon initial opening of the valve mechanism, wherein the minimum pressure is related to the initial pressure drop. The envelope density of the sample is thus a quotient of the mass and the envelope volume of the sample. The absolute density and relative absorption of the sample may also be determined and an associated system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Trxoler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Kirk Dummer, Robert Ernest Troxler, Michael Eric Bienvenu
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Patent number: 6990849Abstract: A microfluidic analytical system for monitoring an analyte (for example, glucose) in a liquid sample (e.g., ISF) includes an analysis module with at least one micro-channel for receiving and transporting a liquid sample, at least one analyte sensor for measuring an analyte in the liquid sample and at least one position electrode. The analyte sensor(s) and position electrode(s) are in operative communication with the micro-channel. The microfluidic system also includes a meter configured for measuring an electrical characteristic (such as impedance or resistance) of the position electrode(s). Moreover, the measured electrical characteristic is dependent on the position of the liquid sample in the micro-channel that is in operative communication with the position electrode for which an electrical characteristic is measured.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.Inventors: Sebastian Bohm, James Iain Rodgers, Alan McNeilage, James Moffat, Matthias Stiene, Tanja Richter
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Patent number: 6990850Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the rheology of a coating fluid and using this information to design application equipment and formulations, particularly for non-Newtonian fluids, including measuring the entrance transition effects for the fluid at process shear rates and time frames, and detecting to presence of dilatant flow. A device for measuring these transition effects has a pressure source for the fluid and connector for a selected capillary tube. The fluid is introduced to the capillary and a pre-determined shear rate and flow rate are achieved. The resulting back pressure in the container is measured. The test parameters are changed to obtain the separate transition effect measurements to correspond to process conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: John A. Taylor
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Patent number: 6990851Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Michael Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang, Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
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Patent number: 6990852Abstract: An acoustic detector based on rupture event scanning (“REVS”) with a detection setup allowing the monitoring of REVS signals near the driving frequency and with optimized impedance matching between the REVS crystal and the front-end of the detection circuitry for use in detecting the presence of particles such as bacteria, viruses, or other particulates in liquid samples with extreme high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Becton Dickinson & CompanyInventor: Klaus W. Berndt
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Patent number: 6990853Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cantilever of a probe-based instrument is deflected by directing a beam of ultrasonic acoustic energy at the cantilever to apply acoustic radiation pressure to the cantilever. The energy is generated by an acoustic actuator. The transmitted beam preferably is focused using a cylindrical lens, providing a beam tightly focused in one dimension and unfocused in a second dimension. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a power source such as an RF signal generator is operated so as to spread the spectrum of acoustic radiation on a time scale that is short or comparable to the acoustic roundtrip time. Such a design diminishing the resonance effects and sensitivity to spacing between the cantilever and the acoustic source.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventor: Scott A. Elrod
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Patent number: 6990854Abstract: An accurate thermodynamic model of an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst is presented. The model takes into account hydrocarbon storage and release mechanisms of the ALNC, as well as the degradation in the ALNC hydrocarbon conversion efficiency due to ageing, and thus provides a more accurate estimate of an exotherm generated by hydrocarbon combustion in the ALNC. The estimated exotherm can them be used to detect system degradation and identify components responsible for the degradation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Michele Reichenbach, Fumin Yuan
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Patent number: 6990855Abstract: A system for estimating a quantity of parasitic leakage of a fluid from a fluid collection unit includes a pressure sensor and a control circuit. The pressure sensor is coupled to the fluid collection unit and configured to produce a pressure value indicative of the pressure of the fluid collection unit. The control circuit is operable to determine a change in pressure value of the fluid collection unit and estimate the quantity of parasitic leakage based on the change in pressure value. The control circuit may also be operable to determine a bulk modulus value of the fluid and estimate the quantity of parasitic leakage based on the change in pressure value and the bulk modulus value.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Taner Tuken, Donald J. Benson, John T. Carroll, III, Yul J. Tarr, David M. Carey
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Patent number: 6990856Abstract: An engine system includes an intake manifold, and an air inlet enabling an air flow into and out of the intake manifold. An air flow sensor is attached to the air inlet, and measures a flow of air through the air inlet. A first sensor is also included, and is operable to determine a direction of air flow. The air flow sensor is in communication with a controller, which records the mass of air flow through the air inlet. In one embodiment, the first sensor is a differential pressure that detects a pressure differential. In an alternative embodiment, a second sensor communicates with the air inlet, and the first sensor communicates with the intake manifold. The first and second sensors jointly determine a direction of air flow. In yet another embodiment, an output of the first sensor is compared to a calibrated barometric pressure to determine a direction of air flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David W. Dempsey, Kenneth P. Dudek
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Patent number: 6990857Abstract: A fuel injector timing tool has an elongated tubular member on which a measurement device may be mounted. A lower end of the tubular member is attached to a base member disposed perpendicularly to the tubular member and has an open end that only partially circumscribes a plunger follower slidably disposed on a retainer element of the fuel injector. The timing tool permits ready access to an adjustable ball stud and associated lock nut mounted in a plunger actuator end of an injector rocker arm so that accurate plunger position can be set while the timing tool remains in place on the retainer element of the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Gary D. Bourn, John C. Hedrick, Steven G. Fritz, Larry W. Wolter
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Patent number: 6990858Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation of a sensor in a vacuum brake booster coupled to a manifold of an internal combustion engine include measuring an engine or vehicle operating parameter to detect operating or control conditions and detecting degradation of the sensor based on the engine or vehicle operating parameter. In one embodiment the operating parameter is a measured or estimated manifold pressure. A pressure drop across a check valve disposed between the brake booster and the intake manifold may also be considered.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Michael Kerns, John D. Russell